Definition

Adjective: * Agitated and confused; unnerved; disconcerted: The state of being flustered, nervous, or thrown off-balance, often due to a sudden shock, pressure, or unexpected event. It is an informal term describing a temporary loss of composure.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The constant questioning from the reporters left the politician visibly rattled.
  • She doesn't get rattled easily, even during a crisis.
  • The loud noise from the explosion rattled the entire neighborhood. (Note: Here, "rattled" is the past tense of the verb 'to rattle'.)
  • He was completely rattled by the last-minute change to the presentation.

Advanced Usage

• "to be rattled": To be in a state of agitation.
  • The goalie was clearly rattled after letting in three quick goals.
• "to get rattled": To become agitated or unnerved.
  • Even experienced speakers can get rattled by a hostile audience.

Variants and Related Words

• Rattle (verb): To make a rapid series of short, sharp sounds; to cause someone to feel nervous or frightened.
  • The windows rattled in the storm.
  • His confidence was not rattled by the criticism.
• Rattling (adjective/adverb): Very (used for emphasis); making a rattle sound.
  • A rattling good story. (Informal, meaning a very exciting story.)
• Rattle (noun): A baby's toy that makes a noise when shaken; a rapid succession of short, sharp sounds.

Synonyms

• Flustered
• Agitated
• Disconcerted
• Unnerved
• Shaken
• Perturbed

Antonyms

• Composed
• Calm
• Unruffled
• Collected
• Unperturbed

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Rattle someone's cage": To deliberately annoy or provoke someone.
  • He's just trying to rattle your cage; ignore him.
• "Sabre-rattling": The display or threat of military force.
  • The diplomatic talks were preceded by weeks of sabre-rattling.

Adjective

1. thrown into a state of agitated confusion; (`rattled' is an informal term)